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Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he thought about quitting the sport because of debilitating back issues throughout the season.

The 27-year-old, who has reached a career-high ranking of world number three, finished as runner-up against Novak Djokovic in the finals of the 2021 French Open alongside the 2023 Australian Open.

Currently placed as the world's 36th best player following minimal competition since his early exit in New York in August, he stated continuous medical care is finally showing encouraging progress.

"I'm most excited is to observe how my body holds up under actual training with regard to my injury," commented Tsitsipas.

"The biggest fear was whether I was able to finish an encounter," the athlete continued, explaining the pain had troubled him "over the last half a year or more."

"I kept asking, 'Am I able to play in another match pain-free?'"

"I became truly frightened after the defeat in Flushing Meadows [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to walk for 48 hours. That is the moment start reconsidering your career's future."

He also reported satisfaction regarding the present treatment regimen after finishing an extended period of off-season preparation completely pain-free.

He is scheduled to compete with the Greek team in the United Cup, drawn against Team Japan led by Osaka and the Great Britain squad led by Emma Raducanu. The competition takes place in Perth and Sydney from 2 to 11 January, the week preceding the Australian Open.

"My main goal next season is to not have concerns over completing bouts," he expressed.

"It provides fantastic feedback realizing you had a pre-season in good health – I hope it continues. I want to deliver during the upcoming season and for the United Cup.

"The effort is invested. The crucial element is complete faith that I can return to where I was. I will try all means to make it happen."